Hydration is a cornerstone of good skincare, but it’s not as simple as drinking endless amounts of water. While moisturizing your skin on the outside is important, nourishing your body from within plays an equally vital role in maintaining healthy, radiant skin. However, with so much conflicting advice about how much water you should drink, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Is it eight 8oz glasses? Two liters? Or 37 glasses, as a famous footballer once suggested?
The reality is, hydration isn’t one-size-fits-all, and most of these recommendations don’t reflect how our bodies actually work.
How Much Water Do You Really Need?
Your water needs depend on various factors, like your activity level, environment, and diet. But here’s the catch: your body can only process a limited amount of water at a time. On average, your kidneys can process around 1/4 to 1/2 a liter per hour. Overloading yourself with more than this won’t offer extra benefits; your body will simply flush out the excess.
Instead of chugging gallon after gallon, aim for steady, balanced hydration throughout the day. This way, your skin, and the rest of your body, can absorb the water it truly needs without overwhelming your system.
Eat Your Water for Better Skin
One of the best-kept secrets to staying hydrated is through the foods you eat. Fruits and vegetables like cucumbers, watermelon, oranges, and leafy greens are naturally water-rich and release hydration gradually as they’re digested. Unlike drinking large amounts of water all at once, eating hydrating foods helps your body absorb water more efficiently, while also delivering essential vitamins and fiber.
This slow-release hydration benefits your skin, too. By retaining water longer, your skin is better equipped to maintain its natural glow, elasticity, and softness.
More Hydration Tips for Glowing Skin
Salt is Important: While salt can make you feel thirsty, it and other electrolytes are important for optimal hydration. This is especially important if you have been sweating, feeling ill, or haven’t been getting enough salt, potassium, or magnesium in your diet.
Choose Hydrating Foods: Add more water-rich fruits and vegetables to your meals and snacks.
Protect Your Skin Barrier: Combine internal hydration with a good moisturizer to lock in hydration and prevent water loss. If you have especially dry skin or are prone to dryness and sensitivity during the colder months, layer Colostrum VG followed by Creme Dermo-RL for intense hydration and protection.
Listen to Your Body: Sensations of thirst and a dry mouth are signs that your body is already experiencing a fluid imbalance. Be sure to drink consistently throughout the day and incorporate water-rich foods into your diet to avoid letting it get to that point.
You don’t need to carry around a gallon jug or force yourself to meet arbitrary water goals. Instead, focus on giving your body hydration in smarter, more sustainable ways, whether it’s through sipping water throughout the day or loading up your plate with hydrating fruits and vegetables. Your skin will thank you with a healthy, hydrated glow.
